Re: What Wee Dram are you enjoying now?

Ardbeg Uigeadail. I found this really benefited from a splash of water. There is so much going on in this whiskey that somehow a little water quieted the yelling down and allowed the sherry and peat to play nicely together.

I really like this scotch, but I am thinking I'll be happy to replace it with the standard 10 year old when the time comes. I'm not saying it is better, but it is over $20 cheaper, and many of the same things are happening in the both of them.

There are two ways of getting home; and one of them is to stay there. - GK Chesterton

I've tried the standard 10 year old (46%), which is aged mainly in bourbon casks and some sherry casks. I remember being surprised by how robust and complex it was. I enjoyed it but also found it challenging.

I've also enjoyed Longrow CV and Hazelburn 8 year old from that distillery.

Re: What Wee Dram are you enjoying now?

Originally Posted by unclebunk

It's time for a vacation in Scotland, Tom. Then there will be no turning back!

Stop tempting a man of the cloth, Hank. Have you no shame!! I've been tempted myself to get this Uigeadail for a couple of months, since Christian was speaking so highly of it. Now, with Tom here loving on it, too...I guess I'll have to break down. I gotta tell ya' though, I was not a fan of the bottle of the 10 yr that I had. Very weak as compared to my favorite Scotch of all time--Lag 16. I dunno, maybe apples and oranges. Maybe, I'm just plain whacked. But, I'm looking forward to trying the Uigeadail. I think I'll slip down to the bar for a pour of that Lagavulin...

Re: What Wee Dram are you enjoying now?

Auchentoshan Select (nas) 40%. Very unusual smoky banana nose, a little youngish hot. Peppery peaty sweet barley taste. Lighter, not as chewy as the 12 y.o., but still that got house flavor goin'. Nice longish finish. I like it.

... and upthread...thinking, ... the choice between Ardbeg Uigeadail or Lagavulin 16, two of the greatest Islays, probably the two greatest (imvho).. choose one and you can have it forever anytime free of charge, but the other will be struck from your world, never to pass your lips again ... which would it be?

... I've considered this hard for a few minutes, switched my answer two or three times, and right now, I think I'd go for the Ardbeg U. What a tough choice!

Re: What Wee Dram are you enjoying now?

Originally Posted by smokinjoe

Stop tempting a man of the cloth, Hank. Have you no shame!! I've been tempted myself to get this Uigeadail for a couple of months, since Christian was speaking so highly of it. Now, with Tom here loving on it, too...I guess I'll have to break down. I gotta tell ya' though, I was not a fan of the bottle of the 10 yr that I had. Very weak as compared to my favorite Scotch of all time--Lag 16. I dunno, maybe apples and oranges. Maybe, I'm just plain whacked. But, I'm looking forward to trying the Uigeadail. I think I'll slip down to the bar for a pour of that Lagavulin...

Joe, I liked the Uigeadail okay (and most of Ardbeg's releases for that matter) but I consistently come back to Lagavulin. The 16 just has an overall profile and balance I find lacking in the current uber-peat environment. The old Laphroaig 15 may be another exception.